Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Underemployment (also called disguised unemployment) refers to a situation where people are apparently working but are doing less work than they are capable of, or their work contributes little to output. For example, if 4 people work on a farm where only 2 are needed, the extra 2 are underemployed.

Why we should be concerned: In India, a large proportion of the population depends on agriculture, which suffers from considerable underemployment. This leads to low incomes, poverty, and wastage of human resources.

Four Government Measures:

1. Irrigation facilities – Constructing dams, canals, and wells enables farmers to take a second crop, generating more agricultural employment.
2. Rural roads and storage – Better roads and cold storage facilities allow farmers to transport and sell produce, creating jobs in transport and trade.
3. Cheap agricultural credit – Banks providing loans at low interest rates help farmers buy seeds, fertilisers, and equipment, improving productivity and employment.
4. MGNREGA 2005 – This Act guarantees 100 days of paid employment per year to rural workers. If the government fails to provide work, it pays an unemployment allowance.

Source: Chapter 2 – Sectors of the Indian Economy, "How to Create More Employment?"

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• Underemployment definition must be stated clearly — examiners look for the idea that people seem employed but contribute little.
• The concern for India should link to agriculture's dominance and poverty.
• For the four measures, pick ones directly from the textbook (well, dam/canal, roads/storage, credit, MGNREGA). Avoid vague points.
• MGNREGA with the detail "100 days" is a high-value factual point — always include it.
• Keep each measure to one crisp sentence; don't elaborate beyond what's needed.